Cover Reveal: Offbeat by Nikki Lynn Barrett

OFFBEAT

Love and Music In Texas Book 5

by

USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Lynn Barrett

Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett

Official genre of book: Contemporary romantic

Life is full of choices...

Right before she turned sixteen, Taryn McAllister made several rebellious choices, one which led her to become the drummer for a major teen sensation country star. After a deadly accident, she made another choice - to get back on the wagon and play drums again, no matter that it took adapting because she's confined to a wheelchair.

Now another set of choices is thrust upon her. After reconnecting with her estranged best friend, Taryn is offered a chance to play drums for a local Texas band ready for the Nashville move. Her once strong confidence is shaken, and she's torn between her love of music and the reality that it might not work out.

Chris Roland made a string of bad choices, and it's left him feeling numb. Now he's playing the drums temporarily for his sister's band, but he knows this isn't the life for him. Problem is, he doesn't know what direction to go. He knows what he doesn't want, but can't decide on what he does want.

And then he meets Taryn, the feisty drummer who could be his replacement. He's relieved for a chance to break away....that is until he gets to know her. And while he's getting to know her, she's helping to open up a part of his soul that was long dead and buried.

It's high time to make the right choices. It's just a matter of deciding what choice is right.

Chris glanced around as he entered the house.

“You look nervous,” Matt commented.

“A little. Right now, I'm making sure there aren't any traps set for me. I heard the girls were cooking up something earlier. I'm waiting for my life to flash before my eyes.”

Matt let out a laugh and Kyra smirked. “I promise, we haven't set any death traps. Only because I never know who's going to knock on my door.” She winked. “Taryn! You've got company! Let me know if I need to roll out our plan!”

Chris exchanged a look with Matt. He held up his hands. “I know nothing about this. I've been working all day. Good luck.” Matt patted him on the shoulder and left the living room.

Hell. What in the world had been said about him today?

“Hi,” Taryn said softly as she wheeled down the hallway and stopped right before entering the living room.

“All right, I have to ask. You aren't hiding any sort of weapon, are you?” Chris asked in jest. “Because ever since I walked in here, I have a feeling some sort of master plan has been devised.”

“You're welcome to do a search.” Taryn folded her arms over her chest, casting a grin his way. She eyed the flowers.

“Don't tempt me. I don't do well with surprises.” He held out the vase to her. “I don't know if you do the whole flowers thing, but I didn't let it stop me.”

“Someone has to stand up for the poor guy!” Matt and Kyra appeared in the doorway, both laughing.

“Thanks, Matt. Glad to know someone has my back.” Chris shook his head. “Is this a mess with my friend and you get everyone's wrath kind of thing?”

“Pretty much. Some things never change.” Kyra shrugged.

“How do you deal with this?” he asked Matt.

“I stay in their good graces,” came the simple, yet honest reply. “But to be fair, I've feared Kyra's wrath a few times.”

“Yes but Kyra's wrath is to put you in a song. Mine involve drumsticks,” Taryn warned.

“We're going now, I promise. See you two later.” Kyra waved, then allowed Matt to drag her out the door. When they were alone, Chris let out a nervous laugh. “So on a scale from one to ten, how much does everyone want to kill me?”

I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.